This piece was originally posted at Ode Magazine.
Christmas was outlawed in the U.S. state of Massachusetts between 1659 and 1681. Anyone caught celebrating was punished with a five-shilling fine. You might wonder if Massachusetts had the right idea. Canceling Christmas would spare us frantic shopping in jammed malls, endless bickering with stressed-out relatives and exorbitant gorging.
But somehow, something deep in our consciousness needs to express gaiety in these dark days. Lynn Jericho, a counselor in New Jersey, believes what's missing in Christmas is an opportunity to explore the "inner dimensions" of the season. "It's so dark, cold and silent that we naturally turn inward," she explains.
Jericho advocates making the old custom of the Twelve Days of Christmas into a new tradition in which we mark each evening from December 25 through January 5 with a few minutes of reflection. The themes for each of these "Holy Nights" could help us rediscover the sacred dimension in our lives.
Dec. 25 - Receptivity
What gifts from the universe have you declined to accept or acknowledge?
Dec. 26 - Generosity
Think of three people and what you can give of yourself to them.
Dec. 27 - Humility
Think about how humility can become a great source of strength and power for you.
Dec. 28 - Nobility
Make a list of people from whose noble qualities you can learn.
Dec. 29 - Solidity
For 12 minutes, simply feel your soul's solidity.
Dec. 30 - Fluidity
Consider the importance of flow to your well-being and happiness.
Dec. 31 - Luminosity
Look back at your darkest moments of the last year, and remember what qualities in yourself and others lit the way for you.
Jan. 1 - Reflectivity
Let an image from the outer world settle in your mind and write down five thoughts you associate with it. Reflect on it and how you might transform it.
Jan. 2 - Equanimity
Pick a recent event and review it in light of various possible emotions like happiness, anger and fear.
Jan. 3 - Fecundity
Celebrate the richness of your imagination. Hold this vision and then plan tomorrow's activities. Keep it alive during the day.
Jan. 4 - Sagacity
Think of yourself as an elder who has learned from the trials and triumphs of experience. What are some profound lessons?
Jan. 5 - Unity
What ideas, yearnings, themes or in- sights have come together for you through the holidays?
For more holiday season tips, lick here for more from Huffington Post's Living!